Back when I was in school teachers would always scare me with stories of how my exploits would end up in my permanent record. I believe this is it! – Geoff Fox

The Difference Between Tropical And Subtropical Storms

Subtropical Storm Beryl is just off the East Coast tonight. Not very impressive to see.

Subtropical? When did that happen? How does it differ from a tropical storm?

Bad news first. If you’re in the path, subtropical or tropical will feel the same. Both have moderately strong winds and lots of rain.

Subtropical Storm Beryl is just off the East Coast tonight. Not very impressive to see.

Subtropical? When did that happen? How does it differ from a tropical storm?

Bad news first. If you’re in the path, subtropical or tropical will feel the same. Both have moderately strong winds and lots of rain.

Last night one satellite estimate showed a small area (of ocean) getting two inches of rain per hour!

The difference is much more important for those of us who forecast. It centers on the storm’s core.

The thunderstorms within tropical storms are part of an amazing chain. Warm humid air is drawn in from the surface creating towering ice clouds to 50,000 feet or more! There are strong horizontal winds, but there are strong vertical winds too!

In a subtropical system the thunderstorms and convection are taking place, but at lower heights. That limits intensification and strength.

Tropical and Subtropical Storms are easy to distinguish on satellite imagery. The subtropical has a much larger cloud free center.